The Channel

Sam Miller, Central Rivers AEA Chief Administrator

Earlier this month, the Governor’s Education Policy Advisor (Linda Fandel) and Senate and House Education Committee leadership directed Iowa’s AEAs to look for increased efficiencies through the AEA system. Last week, the AEA chief administrators met again with Senate and House Education Committee leadership to ensure a common vision and timetable for this task and had a very healthy discussion around the development of a five-year plan designed to maximize efficiencies in Iowa’s AEAs while creating greater equity of services for all Iowa students.

Dr. Tom Lane, Iowa’s AEA Executive Director, has been following up these conversations, and we have collaborated on an agreement. Senators Sinclair and Kraayenbrink (Chair of Education Appropriations Committee) have agreed to language that calls for a reduction of AEAs from nine to seven and a reduction of AEA chief administrators from nine to seven. The timeline for accomplishing this will be five years. We anticipate that this language will be added in a late standings or appropriations bill before the session ends in April. The agreement provides the AEAs with a reasonable timeframe, while also providing a firm commitment to legislators. A five-year restructuring plan will help ensure a re-aligned AEA system that further enhances equity, innovates new statewide systems and helps us better articulate these efficiencies to all stakeholder groups.

We understand that this is an important announcement, and it may leave you with many questions. As an AEA system, our leadership team is committed to providing you with regular, timely updates as more details of this long-term process unfolds. I also want to mention that the early messages I’m receiving are that staff out in the field will likely feel much less of an impact of any future changes than those of us in administrative positions. I believe firmly that working for the AEA system is and will continue to be a secure and rewarding career choice. Although it may feel otherwise, the legislature deeply appreciates the value of our services. What you do matters to each and every child, educator and family you come in contact with.

Onward and upward.

Sam

The Board of Directors met on Wednesday, February 7th at 6 pm in Cedar Falls.

The agenda can be viewed online.

Chief Administrator Sam Miller, Assistant Chief/HR Director Karl Kurt, and Chief Financial Officer David Nicholson will make the rounds to all three offices and River Hills School later this month to meet with staff.  The meeting will serve as a good opportunity to discuss the news regarding the AEA System Five-Year Plan, and to hear more about the insurance committee recommendations for 2018-2019.

Please plan to join the meeting in person at one of the following sites if possible. The meetings are scheduled from 3-4 pm (3:30-4:30 at River Hills) on all three days. Zoom is being provided for those not able to travel. This one Zoom link can be used for all four dates: https://zoom.us/j/384261259

• Monday, February 26 – Clear Lake Office, Room A
• Tuesday, February 27 – Marshalltown Office, Rooms C, D, E
• Wednesday, February 28 – Cedar Falls Office, Room B
• Thursday, March 1 – River Hills School *3:30-4:30

Late May through September are some of the busiest months for the print shop-especially August and September. The Creative Services department is seeking part-time assistance this summer to help ensure that we stay caught up and are ready for the rush of business that comes when teachers come back to school.

If you know of someone who has an interest in picking up some extra money over the summer months (perhaps a UNI or Hawkeye Community College student) by working in the print shop, please reach out to Beth Strike at 319-273-8222 by February 28. Staff who are not on contract are also encouraged to inquire if interested.

In December, Brent Siegrist retired from his former role as AEA Executive Director but will continue to support the AEA system by focusing on legislative advocacy. This change offers the AEA system the benefit of Brent’s considerable background, knowledge, and expertise in the legislative process, and enhances relationships with policymakers. We are grateful for the leadership that Brent has provided for over 15 years.

Dr. Tom Lane, who has served as a legislative liaison for Iowa’s AEAs the past four years, has been named Executive Director and will now focus the majority of his time on coordination of our statewide work. His priority is to enhance and promote the work of the AEA system, and he will work closely with chief administrators, strengthen relationships with the director groups, and continue to maintain legislative advocacy efforts. Tom’s experience as a teacher, counselor, principal and superintendent will strengthen the community building, both within the AEA system and with other entities.

Brent and Tom have already begun to transition to these new responsibilities. We are fortunate to have the ability to capitalize on the strengths and interests of each of these professionals and to have two staff members who have the ability to complement each other and the work of the AEA system.

The Center for Applied Research conducted a study on behalf of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies to analyze the efficiency of the services Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) provide districts. Additionally, the value of services provided by AEAs was explored. The information presented in this report is intended to help support AEA’s decision making regarding continued efforts to be effective and collaborative partners with Iowa school districts. The study will also be used in conversations with legislators and other state officials and recommendations from the report will help chart the future direction for Iowa’s AEAs.

The Governor’s 2018 Future Ready Iowa Summit will be held on Tuesday, April 3, from 8 am to 3 pm at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The purpose of this all-day event is to amplify public conversation about transforming education and the workforce, including expanding work-based learning and computer science instruction.  

The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, which is hosting the summit, hopes to attract an audience of 1,000 leaders from business and industry, PreK-12 and postsecondary education, nonprofits, parents, students, elected officials, and others, who will take information from the summit back to their communities to build upon existing initiatives.

Along, with presentations from experts in the fields of education and business, the day will include work-based learning exhibits and breakout sessions. Registration for the summit  is now open with a $50 fee for adults and no charge for students.  

Iowa’s AEAs and AEA Learning Online have been collaborating to move our individual professional development and licensure registration systems to a statewide professional learning registration system. Having one registration system will provide participants with a much larger offering of professional learning activities through a statewide catalog. It also creates greater equity and consistency in programming and resources to help support quality professional development and licensure programming.

System benefits

View all offerings that are available statewide

Individuals who use the system will be able to see all courses and activities that are available across the state. Users may search by specific courses, topics, location and more.

Instructors will find a user-friendly system

There are system enhancements for instructors! Once an instructor enters a course in the system, they don’t have to repeat that process again. They simply enter a new section for that activity. That includes the syllabus. Once a syllabus is approved, it’s valid across all AEAs!

All completed courses will be in one transcript

In the new system, there will be one common transcript that shows all courses taken by an individual, including courses from AEA Learning Online. Anything that the individual has taken from an Iowa AEA will show up in one document. Users will be able to print their own transcripts and receipts for tax purposes.

Split the payments!

Split payment options for credit cards and/or purchase orders will be available in the new system.

Login is easy and familiar

Users of the new system will log in using their existing email and password that they use to login to take AEA Learning Online courses as well as Mandatory Reporter and Bloodborne Pathogens trainings.

In the coming weeks, expect to see more information and updates through various AEA communication channels. If you have any immediate questions, contact Amy Moine.

Mark your calendars now for the all-staff meeting and retirement celebration on May 23 in Cedar Falls. While the next school year seems far off, it will be here before we know it. In addition, the 2018-19 kick-off meeting is set for August 13.  Along with these two important dates, a handy document has been created with many other dates relative to a variety of different groups. This document can be found on the staff website under Resources, along with the 2018-19 office calendar, which was approved at January’s Board Meeting.

Blue365 offers access to many health and wellness deals and is available at no cost to members of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Members can find discounts on fitness clubs, weight-loss programs, workout accessories, vision products, Lasik surgery, and so much more!  Registration is simple and every month anyone that registers will receive an entry into a drawing for a $25 retail gift card from Blue365. Don’t miss out on the many great offers!

• On Friday, February 2, the three offices each held a “Souper Bowl” party. Staff donated soup in honor of their pick for the Super Bowl and to be able to wear their favorite sports apparel. The Eagles were the clear winners with 117 cans donated while the Patriots had 59 cans. All 176 cans of soup were donated to the local food pantries.
• Friday, Feb 16th – Daytona 500 – Support your favorite team by wearing your Nascar/other team apparel.
• Monday, Feb 19
  • Taco Bar for all staff in Cedar Falls hosted by Regions 5 & 6 – Sign Up
  • Potluck for all staff in Marshalltown hosted by Region 9 – Sign Up
  • Luncheon for all staff in Clear Lake hosted by Region 2

Stay tuned for more exciting team building, wellness, and charitable opportunities coming this spring from the Climate/Culture Committee!

Remember way back in October when you were challenged to walk 20-minutes each day? Well, that offer is still on the table and staff are encouraged to walk each day. Aside from the obvious health benefits, it will also help clear your head, stir creativity, and build relationships with others. Try using the walking workstations, wander the halls, or get outside as the weather permits.

Do you still have some Central Rivers AEA thank you cards left?  Make someone’s day and send a thank you to that coworker who made you smile or made your work a little easier.  A little appreciation and positive energy always go a long way!

With recent school delays, administrative staff members are receiving more requests to work remotely. For those with Temporary Work Site (TWS) or Remote Work Site (RWS) approval, please take some time to review the FAQs generated by Human Resources and The Business Office (also found in the Infinite Visions portal).

Julie Miller

Julie Miller, Consultant for School Improvement/Special Education Consultant has been selected to fill the role of halftime Regional Administrator for Region 7. In her new position, Julie will help oversee team members including assisting with evaluation and region activities.  Julie will assume her new duties in January 2018.

Julie’s experience in the Waterloo School District and her knowledge of Special Education will make her a great addition to the Administrative team that supports Waterloo.

Julie began working for the agency in August of 2015. She previously held positions at Grant Wood AEA as a special education consultant and with the Cedar Rapids Community School District as a special services program coach. Julie is a graduate of UNI holding a BA in elementary education and a music teaching minor as well as special education certification through Morningside College. Julie earned her Master of Arts in Education and her Administration/Special Education Supervisor certification through Viterbo University.

She and her husband, Sam, live in Cedar Falls. They have two children: Ally 23, a dental assistant in North Liberty and Sam 21, a student at UNI. Julie enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, family, friends, and the family dog Bella.

Welcome, Julie!

The Federal Government Rate for in-state lodging has increased to $109. The regulations to board policy 603.4 have been updated to reflect the new amount. Board policy does allow for exceptions to the $109 limit, but it has to be for extenuating circumstances and you need to get preapproval from either Sam Miller or David Nicholson. Request approval in an email in order to attach a copy of the email to the requisition request for payment.  

Regarding out-of-state travel, while there is no limit, the policy states that employees must be prudent in selecting hotels when traveling.

Do you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to education and Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs)? Please take a few minutes to nominate this person for recognition by Iowa’s AEAs.

Iowa’s AEAs bestow three awards annually to outstanding candidates for their contributions to education and the work of the AEA system. To submit a nomination, please complete this application by Feb. 2, 2018. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination.  The nominations will be reviewed by a selected group of AEA personnel in February. Both the nominating individual and those who are selected to be recognized will be notified the first week in March Awards will be presented during the Boards of Directors’ Conference for Iowa’s AEAs and will begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 5, 2018 at HIlton Garden Inn in Johnston.

The three awards and criteria can be found below. Each nomination should include examples of why your nominee should receive the award.

• Friend of the AEA Award
  Acknowledges contributions by policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses, and organizations who have been great partners and demonstrate strong support for furthering the mission of Iowa’s AEAs.  Open to all policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses and organizations.
• E. Robert Stephens Award
  Dr. E. Robert Stephens, better known as “Dr. Bob” and the father of the AEA system, acknowledges contributions in the area of innovation and support to local districts, AEAs, the Department of Education and other partners/organizations. There should be evidence of outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of the educational community including:
  • Benefits of this individual’s leadership;
  • Creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute;
  • Strong commitment to the profession by active participation in professional activities; and
  • Evidence that the individual is respected by his/her colleagues and the community.

Open to AEA staff who serve in an administrative role and AEA board members.

• Innovative Creator
  Celebrates amazingly innovative and creative thinking and actions to get results for students, educators, the AEA system, school districts, and other partners.  Open to all AEA staff, board members, educators, policymakers, students…all of us are creators!

For more information, please contact Connie Johnson, Communications Director for Iowa’s Area Education Agencies, at 712-335-6044 or cjohnson@plaea.org.

Everyday life can be stressful and can affect your health, well-being, and performance. Many times a person with a mental health condition does not know where to turn to for help. Fortunately, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be your first step in finding guidance and solutions.

The agency’s EAP is 100% confidential and offered to employees at no cost. Help can be found for a variety of needs:

• Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress
• Marital or relationship difficulties
• Parenting, child care, or elder care concerns
• Alcohol or drug dependence
• Eating disorders
• Financial concerns

Information regarding the EAP can be found in the portal under My Benefits > Wellness > Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also call toll-free 1-866-451-5465 or visit the EAP website. The online password is: NISenhanced.